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Welcome to your Wales guide!
Start planning your Wales getaway today with this free vacation guide. Inside you will learn all that you need to know to prepare for the ultimate Welsh adventure.
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All About Wales
Wales is full of beautiful coastlines and rich history. Tenon Tours has been crafting itineraries to Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom for over a decade. Did you know that Wales is considered the Castle Capital of Europe? With over 600 castles throughout the country, you’ll have plenty to explore from ruins to fully intact castles.
Enjoy the city of Cardiff on a walking tour or head to the countryside for expansive beaches, rolling countryside, pretty villages, and lighthouses. Extend your travels to the rest of the British Isles – Ireland, Scotland, and England – quite easily from Wales.
The Spring and Fall shoulder seasons are in our opinion a great time to visit Wales. With fewer people traveling than in Summertime there is good value to be had. Temperatures are still mild with average rainfall. We do recommend that you book 2-4 months in advance but preferably 6 months in advance to guarantee availability.
Experience some of the local crafts as you travel around including Gin & Whisky distilleries, great local food, and the historic Welsh art of Lovespoon making where a skilled carpenter can create a bespoke piece as a memento of your trip to Wales!
Capital of Wales:
Cardiff
Languages:
English, Welsh
Major Airports:
Cardiff
Time Zone:
+5 Ahead of U.S. Eastern Time Zone
Currency:
Pound sterling (£)
Entry Requirements:
Valid Passport
Voltage:
230-volt (Type G plug)
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and Fall
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Regions & Areas
North Wales
A little bit of everything resides in northern Wales, from castles and beaches to mountains and lakes. It is also home to Snowdonia National Park, where you can find hiking trails, lakes, and peaks. These spectacular views even offer you a glimpse of Ireland!
Mid-Wales
The middle of Wales offers stunning countryside views. As it is a relatively small country, you’ll still have access to beaches and, of course, mountains, such as the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains.
South Wales
Southern Wales offers a different view of the country. Home to Cardiff, the capital, you’ll enjoy entertainment, Welsh culture, and sports. On the west coast, you can visit Swansea beach for surfing and swimming, and more castle viewing.
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Accommodations
B&Bs
For a unique and affordable experience, stay in one of Wales’s many family-owned B&Bs. Enjoy home-cooked meals and draw on the local knowledge of your hosts. Our voucher program includes more than 850 B&Bs to choose from.
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Accommodations
Hotels
We’ll suggest preferred partner properties with a wide range of options, from old-style charm, historic and boutique to modern and luxury.
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Accommodations
Manor Homes
Manor house accommodations consist of elegant country homes, many dating back more than 200 years. They offer relaxed, informal luxury and a chance to experience Wales’ history firsthand.
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Accommodations
Castles
Choose from authentic and modern castles to enhance your visit to Wales.
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Food & Drink
Welsh Rarebit – This is an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich in layman’s terms. The bread is slightly thicker than a normal sandwich bread and the cheese is more of a sauce that is made from cheese, beer, and mustard. It is certainly a must-have while traversing through Wales!
Bara Brith – This is a sweet bread, but it also includes raisins and other candied ingredients. On some menus, it may be referred to as speckled bread as well. This recipe is widely varied from family to family but all are generally served at tea time.
Salt Marsh Lamb – Much like the name details, this lamb has spent much of its time out in the salt marsh grazing. This diet has uniquely flavored the meat perfectly. This is traditionally found in northern Wales, but in recent years it has started to become more widely available.
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Attractions & Points of Interest
Mountains, valleys, stunning cliffs. Dramatic landscapes, extensive trails and expansive beaches. Wales does nature very well, but its history is deep and it has more than its share of stories to live and explore.
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Attractions & Points of Interest
Landscapes & Scenery
- Snowdonia National Park
- Bodnant Garden
- Wales Coastal Path
- Brecon Beacon National Park
- St. David’s
- Black Mountain
- Devil’s Bridge
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Attractions & Points of Interest
Castles
- Cardiff Castle
- Conwy Castle
- Caernarfon Castle
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Attractions & Points of Interest
Additional Highlights
- Cardiff
- Betws-y-Coed
- Bounce Below – Underground trampoline park
- Great Orme Tram
- Portmerion
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Tenon Recommends
- Conwy Castle
- Bodnant Garden
- Caernarfon Castle
- Great Orme
- Ffestiniog Railway
- Portmeirion
- Aber Falls Distillery
- Penderyn Distillery
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Insider Tips
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Best Time To Visit
The spring and fall “shoulder” seasons are our favorite time of year to explore Wales, with reduced rates, fewer travelers, mild temperatures, and bargains to be had.
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What To Pack
Spring and Fall generally experience average rainfall along with mild temperatures and about 8-10 hours of sunlight.
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Food & Drink
We’ve got recommendations for traditional Welsh food you’ll want to try during your visit, including Bara Brith and other tasty dishes.
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Travel
A valid passport is required to travel to Wales.
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Getting Around
You’ll have a few transportation options to choose from when traveling around Wales.
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Car Rentals
Drive down the road less traveled in your rental car. They drive on the left side of the road in Wales. An international driving permit (IDP) is not required to drive a rental car in Ireland, but you will need to have a valid US driver’s license.
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Train
Traveling around Wales by train lets you sit back, relax and enjoy the journey, taking in all the scenery en-route.
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Private Driver
Hiring a private driver offers another way of getting around Wales without the hassle of maneuvering the roads. It also adds an extra element of personal service to your vacation. With Tenon, you can choose to have a private driver for your entire trip or just a portion of it.
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Special Events
- St David’s Day 1 March
- Hay Festival Late May
- Royal Welsh Show July
- Green Man Festival August
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Ready for More?
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about Wales and that you feel ready to plan your trip! If you want to learn more, you can receive a free 30-minute travel consultation about Wales when you request a quote, or if you’re interested in other locations you can access more guides.
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Free Wales Vacation Guide
Are you ready to plan your Wales getaway, but aren’t sure where to start? Inside our free vacation guide, you’ll learn:
Facts on currency, language and more
Popular regions and cities to visit
Foods that you will want to try during your travels
Festivals, attractions and experiences you don’t want to miss
And more!
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Explore the history and pop culture of England and Wales. See Liverpool’s beating heart, the birthplace of British pop music and a hidden gem with so much more to discover. Experience the Celtic Welsh nation with its amazing castles and coastlines before continuing onto the historic university city of Oxford and the famous landmarks of London.
Ultimate Britain
Experience the best that Scotland, England and Wales has to offer on this 14-night tour. With two-night stays in most locations, take your time and pack in as much as you would like.
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